Letter, Alex Spence to Liza
Object number1998.044.31
DateFebruary 18, 1862
Mediumpaper and ink
Dimensions12 1/2 x 7 11/16 in. (31.7 x 19.6 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum collection; Insured for $100
Terms
Born in 1838 in Alabama, Alexander Spence served in Co. B of the 1 Arkansas Infantry (Colquitt's). Company B was known as the Clark County Volunteers. He enlisted in the Confederate Army in Little Rock on May 8, 1861. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in April 1, 1862. Five days later he was wounded at Shiloh. He was promoted twice more, to 1st Lieutenant and then rising to the rank of Captain. Alex was killed at the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864. He is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Arkadelphia next to his brother, Tom, who also served and was killed during the war.
[In the following transcription, punctuation has been added but no spelling or gramatical changes have been made]
Camp Trice, VA
Tuesday Feby. 18th, 1862
Liza
Your kind letter was received a few days ago, it being the first one I have had from home in sometime. I was right glad to get it to night for there is no telling what a day may bring forth. The Yankees seem to be making gigantic strides toward cutting us off from the other Southern States. Whether they will succeed or not remains yet to be seen, but here of late it looks like they have been successful in all their undertakingz. [sic] We are all excitement here now. This evening a telegram was received stating Fort Donelson was taken yesterday but the Federals. We know there has been fighting going on there for several days and fear the whorst(?) is true. There has certainly been a great battle fought there(?) within the last few days, and many a poor soul sent to his long home. To morrow evening we will get the correct news. The artillary company are pretty near the Yankees as I see our forces have evacuated Bowling Green and the Federals habe burned the place. I fear we have been inactive too long. It will be a long time before we recover what we have lost in the later defeats our forces have met with. Reenlisting still goes on. (?) McIntosh is trying to raise an artillary co. (?) for Arkadelphia in a few days for recruits. He may get up his company. I have not yet enlisted. Will return home and go either to the Indian Country, Missouri or Kentucky. Am getting tired of this country. Babe I suppose will do the same. I have no doubt but what we would have an easier time here than we would have most anywhere else, but still I prefer a change. There will be a considerable difference in the next company that represents Clark Co. in this regiment and the present Co. you know very near all that have enlisted look and see how many intimate associates there is in it of Babe's & mine but few of the B'hoys(?) immediately from Arkadelphia will be in the next company. Tommy writes he don't know what he will do. From his letter I don't think he is very well pleased with soldiering. Ask Pa if he can a good horse for me by the time I come back. I don't want to foot it the next time. I think the time of Captain Flanagin's Witherspoon Companies are up, that there will be more companies made up from Clark. Tell Mother she need have no doubts about my remaining in the service - for as long as there is a Yankee foot on Southern soil I expect to try and serve "our country" in some way. By this time I suppose all of our B'hoys(?) have reached home. Guess they will give a glorious accounting how we are getting along, etc. "Well for a wonder" our boxes of blankets, etc. all reached here in safety a few days ago. Come in a very good time as it is pretty cold weather, ground covered with snow again. Tell Marcha I am in hopes she will write me one more time before I go home. Has Sallie's folks got well? I hope they have. Tell Mr. Elder I shall write to him in a few days. Write and give all the news. I am in hopes this will find you all well.
My Love to all
Your (?)
Alex E. Spence
Status
Not on view
February 4, 1862
August 14, 1864
November 5, 1864
March 22, 1863